Naruto: The Honored One

18: Honored One's Recognition

With Orochimaru dead, the atmosphere in the arena was charged with a mix of disbelief and awe. Naruto, standing amidst the rubble, turned his gaze towards Shino and Shikamaru.

"Shino, Shikamaru, your turn," Naruto said, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight.

The two genin exchanged a glance, both shaking their heads. They knew they stood no chance against Naruto's overwhelming power.

"We decline," Shikamaru stated plainly, his usual lazy demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.

Genma stepped forward, raising his hand. "Naruto Uzumaki is the winner of the tournament!"

The crowd erupted in wild cheers, the stands shaking with the fervor of their applause. Naruto's victory was a testament to his incredible growth and strength, a beacon of hope and power for Konoha.

Baki, Temari, and Kankuro exchanged worried glances. Orochimaru's treachery had been laid bare, and they knew the planned invasion was no longer viable.

"We can't go through with the invasion," Baki murmured. Temari and Kankuro nodded in agreement.

Kabuto had disappeared long before, slipping away unnoticed in the chaos.

A Few Hours Later

Kakashi and Sasuke arrived at the now-empty stadium, their eyes wide with surprise.

"The exam... it's over?" Kakashi muttered, scanning the desolate arena.

"This is all your fault, Kakashi!" Sasuke snapped, his frustration boiling over. "We missed everything!"

At the Hospital

Hiashi Hyuga stood beside Neji's bed, the young Hyuga still recovering from his battle.

"Neji, it's time you knew the truth," Hiashi said softly, handing Neji a letter. Neji's eyes widened as he read his father's words, the reality sinking in.

"Father... he... he sacrificed himself for the clan?" Neji's voice was a whisper, disbelief and sorrow mingling in his tone.

The Next Day

Naruto, Shikamaru, and Shino stood in the council room, facing the assembled Daimyo, Hokage, clan leaders, jonin senseis, and elders.

Shino and Shikamaru were the first to be addressed.

"Shino Aburame and Shikamaru Nara, for your exceptional performance in the preliminary rounds, you are hereby promoted to Chunin," Hiruzen announced.

The room murmured with approval. Then all eyes turned to Naruto.

The Daimyo spoke up, his voice carrying authority. "Naruto Uzumaki, your confidence and power have been extraordinary. It is with great admiration that I announce your promotion to Jonin."

A wave of shock rippled through the room. It was unprecedented for a genin to be promoted straight to jonin.

Kakashi was shocked when he heard Naruto fought his way through Neji, Gaara and Temari straight to Orochimaru, and his reanimated Hokage"

The Daimyo continued, silencing the murmurs. "Naruto, I also have another announcement. You will join the newly reformed Twelve Guardian Ninja."

"The kid made quite the impression on the Daimyo" Asuma thought with a smirk

Gasps filled the room, the implications of the Daimyo's words sinking in. Hiruzen, Danzo, and others tried to persuade the Daimyo against this decision.

"Naruto is crucial to Konoha," Hiruzen argued. "We can't afford to lose him."

But Naruto, stepping forward, intervened. "I'll serve the Daimyo in six months time, after completing my duties here. I'll serve him for two years."

The Daimyo accepted Naruto's proposal. The room fell silent, the resolution settling in.

The sun was beginning to set as Naruto, Shino, and Shikamaru left the council room. The weight of the events of yesterday hung in the air, but Naruto's infectious energy managed to pierce through the tension.

"Hey, you two, how about we grab some ramen at Ichiraku?" Naruto suggested with a grin.

Shikamaru shrugged, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Sure, why not? It's been a crazy day. A bowl of ramen sounds like just the thing."

Shino adjusted his glasses, nodding in agreement. "Count me in."

As the three walked off to Ichiraku Ramen, the council room remained abuzz with discussions and decisions that would shape the future of Konoha.

In the Council Room

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the center, a look of solemn determination on his face. "I have decided to retire," he announced, his voice steady but tinged with weariness. The room fell silent, the gravity of his words sinking in.

The discussion quickly shifted to who would be suitable candidates for the position of Hokage. Kakashi Hatake and Shikaku Nara were brought up, their names carrying significant weight.

"Both Kakashi and Shikaku are formidable shinobi," one elder began, "but Kakashi's and Shikaku's laid-back nature raise concerns."

Kakashi and Shikaku exchanged glances, unfazed by the scrutiny. They understood the challenges and the responsibility the role entailed.

Danzo, with a gleam in his eye, seized the moment. "I nominate myself. I will ensure Konoha's strength and security."

Immediate opposition arose from Hiruzen, Kakashi, and several other ninja. "Danzo, your methods are too extreme," Hiruzen countered. "We need a leader who can unite, not divide."

The next nomination came almost as a surprise. "What about Jiraiya?" someone suggested.

From the shadows, Jiraiya stepped forward, a confident smirk on his face. "Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not cut out for the paperwork."

Instead, Jiraiya nominated Tsunade Senju. Danzo immediately voiced his opposition. "Tsunade is unreliable and has been absent from the village for too long."

Jiraiya and Hiruzen spoke up in her defense. "Tsunade is one of the legendary Sannin," Jiraiya argued. "Her medical expertise and strength are exactly what the village needs right now."

Hiruzen nodded. "She has a deep love for Konoha and its people. She can be convinced to return and lead."

After a heated debate, the Daimyo made his decision. "Tsunade will be the next Hokage. Jiraiya, I task you with bringing her back to the village."

Jiraiya bowed slightly. "Understood, Daimyo-sama. I'll bring her back."

The Daimyo then added, "Take Naruto with you. He's proven his strength and it will be good for him to travel and learn."

Jiraiya's eyes twinkled with a mix of amusement and anticipation. "It will be my pleasure."

At Ichiraku Ramen

Naruto, Shino, and Shikamaru were already seated, steaming bowls of ramen in front of them.

"To crazy days and even crazier futures," Naruto toasted, raising his bowl. The others clinked their bowls with his, sharing a rare moment of camaraderie.

"So, you're a Jonin now," Shikamaru remarked, smirking. "Guess we have to start calling you 'Sensei'."

Naruto chuckled. "Let's not get carried away. We've got plenty of work ahead of us."

Shino adjusted his glasses, his tone serious. "Indeed. But with friends like ours, I think we'll manage just fine."

Later
Jiraiya met up with Naruto.

The Next Morning

Naruto stood at the village gates, backpack slung over his shoulder, as Jiraiya approached.

"You ready for this, kid?" Jiraiya asked, his tone light but his eyes serious.

Naruto grinned. "You bet, Pervy Sage. Let's go bring Tsunade back."

With a nod, Jiraiya led the way, and together they embarked on a journey that would not only bring back a new Hokage but also further shape Naruto into the hero he was destined to become.

Tbc